“A bottle of wine begs to be shared; I have never met a miserly wine lover.” ― Clifton Fadiman

This celebrated quote was never truer than at this year’s St. Nick’s holiday wine tasting event hosted by Woodinville Wine Country. The spirited two-day event was kicked off Friday evening with a very special open house at Columbia Winery.

“This weekend was a great success,” said WWC Director Sandra Lee. “St. Nick's weekend has become a Woodinville community tradition that underscores the quality and variety of Washington wines available here.”

The elegant Friday evening tasting event served as a showcase for over 30 Washington wineries, and new to the affair this year was the VIP Library Tasting in Columbia’s Barrel Room. VIP ticket holders experienced a very rare opportunity to sample library wines from 15 Woodinville wineries, including Pondera, Robert Ramsay, Mark Ryan, Woodinville Wine Cellars, Lauren Ashton and Efeste.

Many of the select and vintage bottles were paired with the added delight of being poured from the winemakers themselves. Both the wine and the artisan told stories. The winemaker spoke of the journey, the crush and the work involved. The wine told us about the fruit, the growth of the winemaker and the powerful Washington Terroir.

Tim and Erica Blue of Adams Bench Winery offered a vertical of cabernet that showed how unique and beautiful the different years were for them and their wine.

Chris Gorman treated the attendees to several of his library wines, including “Pixie,” his 100 percent Syrah from 2003. This wine was elegant, well balanced and intense. The wine offered me a peek into the past and the future with a single sip.

As someone who very much appreciates this offering from the Gorman lineup and knowing the wine well, this taste for me showed what a powerful winemaker Chris was when he bottled this treasure and highlighted how incredible he has become.

The event honoring Woodinville wine was warm, festive and inviting. I am hopeful to see more utilization of this format for future events. Kit Singh, winemaker for Lauren Ashton Cellars and board member for WWC, said it well, calling the event “one incredible Woodinville Wine Country VIP wine tasting experience that was right-on-track for delivering future world-class events that showcase some of the finest wines produced in the country while bringing together our flourishing wine community.”

The fine people of Woodinville Wine Country “poured” a holiday heaping of love into this very special occasion, and it was truly a night of sharing that warmed the heart.

“We know guests always discover new wineries over the weekend, giving them inspiration to plan a return trip to Woodinville over the holidays or in the new year.” says Lee.

The St. Nick’s Open House affair this year was quite simply, a proper celebration of Woodinville wine! For more information about future Woodinville Wine Country events, visit woodinvillewinecountry.com or like us at www.facebook.com/woodinvilledecanter.